From a trailer near Brigham City, Utah, this 1969 Chevrolet Malibu seeks a new owner with the skills to put it back on the road. Spoiler alert: it’s hit in the rear, and at least the left rear quarter panel is toast, but it’s fairly complete. The color combination of Azure Turquoise with a Parchment interior has me wanting to click Place Bid now. At least ten bidders have taken the plunge, raising the weathered Chevy’s market value beyond $2000 with about one day left on the auction here on eBay.
The deflating view from this angle illustrates what should be the worst of the repairs needed. After stabbing the Sport Coupe repeatedly with a screwdriver, the seller states that only one spot in the passenger’s foot well succumbed to a puncture wound. As one of Chevy’s most popular cars then and today, the Chevelle-based Malibu enjoys a thriving aftermarket. After a complete makeover for 1968, Chevrolet made minor changes for 1969, according to Wikipedia.
The stylish parchment upholstery and door and side panels would have accompanied a black dashboard and carpeting, making a snappy contrast compared to the vinyl black hole we see too often.
When the 350 cid (5.7L) version of Chevy’s small-block V8 came to roost in the Chevelle for 1969, buyers had no idea that “350” would become synonymous with cheap performance for the next several decades. Today’s popular “LS” series V8 engines have certainly taken the baton from the 350 in that category, but you can still pop the hood on nearly every vehicle imaginable around the globe and find a 350 Chevy powerplant. This one may or may not be original.
Mostly solid and sporting decent original paint, the floor pan could be far worse. With all the fire-breathing Malibu and Chevelle specimens on the road, maybe this one could go back to stock, not for authenticity or value, but simply to be original and different. Of course that metalwork out back will take some serious commitment, but somewhere within 50 miles of nearly everyone is a front-wrecked donor car for this project. In some neighborhoods it’s actually a legal requirement to have at least one non-operative Chevy on cement blocks in the yard. Just go trout fishing and you’re bound to find one. How would you finish this one after you straightened out the sheet metal?
Looks like someone named Bubba attacked that VIN plate.
There’s only one thing worse than a rust bucket. It’s a rust bucket that’s also been bashed in. No thanks.
I think it’s worthy car for a restoration but unfortunately as a labor of love. And it looks like someone attempted to hack out the vin plate with a screwdriver and they also drilled out a rivet on the trim tab. That’s not going to be fun to fix